Chief Detective Criticized

January 29, 1985|By Jeffrey Moore, Staff

POMPANO BEACH — The city`s chief detective investigated a private citizen and fellow police officers without grounds to suspect criminal behavior and without the knowledge of the police chief, according to an independent inquiry made public Monday.

Consultant Allan Rusten, who conducted the inquiry, was hired by the city to shed light on his prior contention that detectives conducted an unwarranted ``witch hunt`` and were poorly monitored.

In the report, Rusten contends that Lt. Larry deFuria investigated an influential resident based on a suspicion shared by his supervisor that the resident manipulated city officials and potentially engaged in illegal activities.

Chief detective deFuria and his boss, Capt. Kelton Wheeler, have been transferred to other positions in the department while awaiting the results of Rusten`s follow-up inquiry.

According to James Nolan, a Rusten associate, deFuria stated that he checked the background and finances of Jimmy Smith, a Pompano Beach roofing contractor who sometimes manages election campaigns for City Commission candidates.

Nolan based his claims on a conversation with deFuria, in which Nolan said deFuria told him he personally ``checked the banks as far up as northern Florida`` as well as Smith`s credit cards and home ownership.